Zero tillage (ZT) potato cultivation

Minimum input and Maximum output are the new emerging trends in agriculture. To cope up with the sharp rise in population and limiting farm land, as well as to increase farm income there is an immediate need to increase the present cropping intensity. Such can be achieved when the long duration rice fallows are proficiently brought under intensive cultivation. Zero tillage technology is done without land preparation after harvesting the paddy; hence the cost of cultivation is less than the normal potato cultivation which in turn helps the farmers to get a better income.

In Sonitpur and Barpeta district of Assam, zero tillage survey was incorporated recently; Potato can be grown in those rice fallows successfully. The zero-tillage practice would allow crop intensification and aid to additional farm income without much soil and environmental degradation as compared to any traditional practices. It's time that farmers are made aware of these conservation agricultural practices for the greater good.

ZT-practice can benefit the farmers by cutting down the cost on labour and other expensive farm practices along with minimizing the associated risks of environmental degradation.